The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1887-03-18

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She looked at him moment in silence,
while wave of crimson swept over her
pale face. Then turning away she said.
brokenly:
'Don't talk about it, Nat; know we
can't afford it, and I'd rather not speak of
it..
''But we can afford it, and Martha is
willing to keep house for me. Now, do
you want to go, dear?'
There was an unconscious look of pain
in his face and a tone Of reproach in his
voice which she could not understand.
"oh, Nathan she sobbed with her face
hidden ON his shoulder, don't imagine
that love you any less, or | am tired of
our little home; but do want so much to
see my father and mother.
We'll, then, you shall go, little wife.
Don't cry SO. | didn't know you cared so
much; but that settles it, You shall 60
After Mrs. Tracy and the baby were
gone, Martha looked around the unorna-
mented rooms and resolved there should be
something new, something bright and
pretty to welcome back the heusekeeper.
The front room had never been furnished.
but after considering her resources, Martha
thought she could manage it if she could
persuade Nathan into buying carpet.
"a carpet? Why, Martina he exclaim-
ed at her proposal, too astonished to say
more.
''What was Clara old home like? You
don't want her to notice too sharp con-
trast on her return, said the sister, quiet
ly.
Il may get new carpet, thoughtlully;
'.but so many things would have to fol-
low.
Nat, when father and mother died, we
were going to divide the things; but You
had no home then, and Willie John and /
stayed, everything remained the same.
When | came here | sold or packed every
thing, and there is a big box for you, which
is on its way out here. Besides bedding
and clothing, there are pictures, curtains
nice rugs. They will help to furnish
the room. I guess you can afford to buy
a cane-seat rocker and two chairs, and
We'll make the rest.
I'D like to know how"
There are two bottomless chairs in the
granary. [ will ebonize the frames, cush-
ion seat and back, and with strips of EN-
broidery and heavy fringe they will be
handsome. The old rocker which is for
ever coming TO pieces can be mended and
treated likewise, minus the rockers, and
you Ii have an easy chair. \ pine table,
which you can make, stained and yarnish-
ed and covered with the spread, will do
nicely
"WelI, it sounds practicable. I'll help
all can.
'.There will be ottomans to make. a
mantle to put up, and cornice for the
curtains 1t will take all our spare time
all winter, but how pleased Clara will he. :
Il intend to have everything nice for her
some day
Yes, Nat; but woman must have
something to live on in the meantime.
There's a love OF the beautiful in every
woman's heart, and it must be satisfied.
If surrounded by grand scenery, the mind
can feed on that; but here, in this level,
monotonous country, believe the homes
should be very bright and attractive.
There may be some truth in that, but |
never thought of it before replied Ma
than.
ut is not common for man to think
abont the home as woman does, for he
mingles with the world, while most of her
hours are spent inside the four walls. Clara
had no time to fix up anything; the baby
was a sight of trouble; but if you and the
children help, we can do wonders.
And they did When Clara came home
four months later she scarcely knew the
place.
"Come and look at your wife wills
pered Martha, when Nathan had finished
the chores and was ready for happy
evening.
There she was in the pretty room, chat
ting with the children. Joy and gladness
shone through her face. which had lost its
sharpness and palor, and there was an
elasticity in her movements which recalled
her girlhood.
''She looks ten years younger, Martha;
and if can help it she shall never work so
again. You've taught me lesson LII not
forget. Well take all the comfort we can
now if we never get a big house.
Martha has made it so pretty that We
shan't want another exclaimed Clara.
hearing his last remark as they entered the
room. I'm so thankful to You all for this
pleasant homecoming.
martha deserves the thanks, for she
planned it all, > said Nathan, catching up
the baby.
you are jewel, Martha; and to think
| was afraid of you and dreaded to have
you come.
.'Was that because you knew | was an
old maid?" said Martha, laughing.
Eyes, that was just it. didn't know,
you see, that you were such blessed old
maid. Tile Hearthstohe.
For soiled kitchen walls dissolve lump
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